49 days...Dall sheep

[T Bone]

Is it too early to start the countdown?

The physical prep is right on track. I can do 10 jumping jacks without a break, so I should be good to go.

I have all the gear I need, but I'm contemplating getting a new rain cover for the backpack. The current one is serviceable, but duct taped, and oarnge. Maybe a new one in stealth gray will bring good ju-ju?

The dumbest decision is which rifle to take. The 30-06 is lighter, more potent, and blooded high mountain animals already. Sheep nervously laugh at it's sight. I feel slightly more comfortable at long distance with the 270, mostly due to it's higher magnification scope. It possibly has enough poop to do the job as well. The 300 win hasn't been shot for over 2 years. It's a proven ungulate slayer, but it's wood and blued. Alaska weather will cause it to swell like a sponge.

 

[The Hedgehog]

That's right about when I turn 40. CRAP. I'm getting a naked woman tattooed on my ass, an earring, selling the truck and buying a harley.

 

[Ovis]

T Bone

Not sure you need to waste your money on a new rain cover. Maybe a few contractor bags and ziplocks and you should be golden. I've never used a rain cover for my pack. Can you swap the scope on the 270 and put it on the 06?

Never too early to start counting down the days to sheep hunting.

GH

I have a pair of leather chaps if interested. Let me know....

 

[T Bone]

Ovis,

Really? What do you use when you're packing during the steady rains?

The 30-06 is a nice lightweight rig with a fixed Leupy 6x36. It's good out to 400 if I do my part. Anything past 400 is tough for me to consistently hit.

The 270 is not as lightweight, with a 3-10 scope. It's gravy to ding 400 yard targets. However in the field anything past 400 is too far for my abilities.

Also need to consider a better compact camera since the wife won't let me touch her good camera.

 

[Ovis]

I don't cover my pack (Barney's) while humping it around. I keep everything I want dry inside plastic bags or ziplocs and inside the compartments. I like the plastic bags for their functionality, most commonly used for transporting bloody game bags or in some cases hippers. Would also be something I would want to have in my survival inventory (sheltor, raingear, water bladder, etc).

When my pack is not in use at the campsite, I will often slip a bag over it before going to bed.

I would take the 06 if it was me.

 

[Dinkshooter]

Are the chaps ass-less??

I have to say, last year was the first year I spent the money on a pack cover and for me I cannot believe I spent so long using freaking trash bags. Still have trash bags in the pack for bloody stuff. I don't think I spent more than $40 on it, it is a Outdoor Research.

I think I leave August 7th. Gonna buy the airline ticket this weekend. Still haven't ok'd it with the boss, anyone want to hire me

I would swap the scope and take the .06.

 

[Dinkshooter]

That's right about when I turn 40. CRAP. I'm getting a naked woman tattooed on my ass, an earring, selling the truck and buying a harley.

And if that is your age, to qualify as a couger she must be over 55 and have a net worth of 2.5 million. Don't sell yourself short...................................on the money part. Plug ur nose and go for it.

 

[Moosie]

Never to early.. Especially if it's a Sheep hunt you are counting down !!!

Good luck Amigo.. T'will be here before you know it !!!

 

[BRWNBR]

i just silcone spray my barney's pack and i've even dropped it in the lake unloading off the float plane and stuff is good and dry, stuff works great, rain covers are ok, but just extra weight....
you'll still want your stuff inside in garbage bags...
switch the scopes, bring the aught six, i'm not bringing a rifle and if you find a grizz your on your own!!! HA
still some snow up in the mountians, i'm guessing there'll be some when we get there.
10 jumping jacks? great another client i've gotta try to keep up with....

 

[T Bone]

38 days!

Pack cover is ordered.

30-06 gets the go. It'll do.

Jake, I'll be calling you this week sometime to review everything.

 

[BRWNBR]

and he stills orders the pack cover....i can see what kinda client your gonna be...lol
ya i'll be in and out for the next two weeks, its fishing season up here and i dont' head back out on a hunt till the 25th so just leave a message if i'm not home and i'll get back to you as soon as i get it, usually if i'm gone its only for a day or two at the most.

 

[Ovis]

I tried to tell him....

 

[SPOTTED OWL]

Stuff

T bone,

Don't screw up like I did. I only brought 1 small flask of Crown Royal for the victory toast while we were eating sheep ribs. It went fast!

Good luck on your hunt, and savor every minute!

A dall sheep hunt will change a man!

 

[T Bone]

Crown Royal huh?

I'll need to find a suitable victory dance substitute as neither myself or the guide drinks. Maybe some freezedried prunes?

Went out and shot the rifles yesterday. Love that '06. Shot from the bench for one series of 3 ,then shot 3 more series of 3 from field positions out to 200 yards. Ended up extremely satisfied with the results.

Need to get some 200-400 yard range time in.

Hope the weather is friendly. I'll be happy with any mature ram, but I'll be happiest if I get to soak up a week or so of the experience to get him.

 

[SPOTTED OWL]

Ya

Mr. Bone,

The weather can make or break a hunt.

Start praying NOW!

I never thought I would take a 420 yard shot with my 270. I am gald we had a range finder. When you take a good rest over a pack or a coat, and the wind is not an issue, it amazing how much a white animal stands out for a decent shot. Most shots are not near that long. I think you will be do ok.

I remember being in your shoes. It gets harder and harder to sleep at night!

I have read a lot posts from Jake on the Alaska site. You got a great outfitter, and a good guy to spend 10 in the mountains. You are gonna have a hunt of a lifetime, and get a nice ram to boot!

 

[Oak]

I'll be happy with any mature ram, but I'll be happiest if I get to soak up a week or so of the experience to get him.

I think the two weeks I spent in the mountains made my hunt much more memorable than if I would have whacked one on opening morning. That being said, I would have been happy to whack the big boy opening morning!

 

[Ovis]

You sheep hunters are never satisfied, are you?

 

[Oak]

You sheep hunters are never satisfied, are you?

No.....

 

[BRWNBR]

lol if it ain't one thing its another...
T-Bone, i'm gonna pass on the prunes if its all the same to you and maybe stick with the freeze dried ice cream instead...

 

[Moosie]

T-bone..... Call me from the Sat phone. I know you'll have it

10 Jumping Jacks ? Sounds like a Vigorous training. I've played poker with guys like you before . saying they play "a little". After a few hundred bucks in the whole I realize they under stated their experience

Every day is a bit closer... Good luck amigo !!!!!